Chp. 2: Kenshin Once More

That sway of red hair brought back old memories. Kenshin, that child who seemed to be the most cheerful child on earth, with not a care in his heart except to protect others. Master had disapproved of this, saying that it was not important at the moment, and that his training came first. I, however, admired his daring to stand up to Master and say what he truly believed. I stared harder at the person who I thought was Kenshin. Sagara noticed me staring out the window.

"Do you recognize someone?" he asked mildly.

"I think so."

"Why don't you go met him? The meal will be served in half an hour or so."

I nodded and prepared to leave. The men beside me started to move to let me out.

"No, that's not necessary," I said. Grabbing my sword, I leaped out the window and landed swiftly in the midst of the crowd. Scanning the tops of the heads, I searched for a glimpse of red hair. No sign. I ran deeper into the midst of people, looking frantically for Kenshin. I spotted him by a stand, looking carefully at the crowd. I pushed my way to him, finally standing in front of him. He looked up.

"Kenshin?" I asked.

"Hm?" he stared at me. "Kikome!"

"It's been ages! How have you been?" I exclaimed.

Kenshin narrowed his eyes. "Um…I know you don't really know about this, but let me just say that this isn't the best time to catch up. My job and position…it's dangerous to talk to me like this."

"But it's been years!"

"Look, Kikome—I really can't allow you to talk to me, I—"

"Kenshin!"

A bearded man came out of a shop, looking for Kenshin. He spotted him, and walked towards him, leading another man behind him. I recognized him immediately. It was Katsura, leader of the Imperialist Armies and in a very high rank. I got the gist of why Kenshin had said it was dangerous to talk to him. Kenshin had to be a hired assassin or bodyguard. I took a step back, narrowing my eyes. Turning to leave, I said to Kenshin,

"It's good to see you well for the first time in quite a while. I'll be departing now. Excuse me."

"Wait, you!"

I turned around.
"Yes?"

"How do you know Kenshin?" Katsura asked sternly.

"We are simply childhood friends, nothing more," I answered. "There is nothing dangerous to the subject."

"I see…"

"I beg your pardon, but I must leave," I said, bowing.

I nodded to Kenshin, and left towards where the Sekihoutai were.

What a waste of time, I thought angrily. The first time I see Kenshin in like three years, and he's a hired assassin. Where'd his dream of becoming a defender of the innocent go? If Master heard about this, I'm not sure if he'd be happy or not.

I climbed the stairs of the restaurant, just in time of seeing the food being brought. Sagara noticed me come in.

"Nato-san! You're just in time. We've just started."

I sat down, took my bowl of stew and ate silently. Sagara seemed to notice.

"Is something wrong? Did you catch up with your friend?"

"I'm not sure if he's my friend or not," I replied dully. "I haven't seen him since he left Master, which was three years ago, and now when I see him, he's most likely a hired assassin. I thought of bodyguard, but why would he say his work was dangerous when all he was doing was protecting Katsura?"

"Katsura?" Sagara said abruptly. His face darkened. "That's odd. I didn't think he was around the area."

"Well, I don't want to see him," I commented lightly. "When I saw Kenshin's eyes, they were a lot harder than before. And there's something different about the way he talks. It's like his body matures, but his mind is as childish as ever. It hasn't aged since he left Master."

"We won't be seeing Katsura anytime soon," Sagara assured. "None of us like him that much either."

I nodded, finishing up my dinner and putting my bowl down.

"Is that all you'll eat?" Sagara inquired.

"I don't have much of an appetite right now," I answered, resting my head on my hand. I looked carefully out the window, the festival lights twinkling brightly.

Oh well, I thought. It's not like I desperately needed to see him. It's best not to cause Captain Sagara much trouble. I think it's best to stay in the shadows and wait for the time to come. I looked at Sagara out the corner of my eyes. He's quite a good man…